Hyperopic Peripheral Defocus in Sunnyvale, CA

Growing up, you’ve probably heard of a slew of vision myths, like how it’s dangerous to watch TV right in front of the screen. While this isn’t true (though it’s not a great habit), these myths endure.

Another vision myth, albeit one that’s far less common, is centered on hyperopic peripheral defocus. We’ll explain more about this, including whether it’s just another falsity or something serious to talk about with your eye doctor.

What Is Hyperopic Peripheral Defocus?

The concept of hyperopic peripheral defocus is a simple one: supposedly, if a patient gets stronger eyeglasses, this will somehow lead to their needing even stronger eyeglasses next time.

With this condition, the retina’s light receptors are redirected, sending light behind the eye where it shouldn’t necessarily be. There are supposed links to hyperopic peripheral defocus and myopic progression and it is found it most often occurs in children with myopia

Is There Any Truth to It?

Hyperopic peripheral defocus is indeed a vision issue, but what causes it still isn’t exactly clear, especially in older adults. While there may be a link between hyperopic peripheral defocus and myopia in children it is not for every child. That also doesn’t include other age groups.

Vision issues often aren't exacerbated by wearing glasses, but helped. This includes presbyopia, astigmatism, farsightedness, and nearsightedness. This means that your current eyeglasses themselves should have no impact on your future prescription. Vision diseases and disorders can change your eyesight though, in which case you need an updated prescription.

When Is It Time to See an Eye Doctor

If you have concerns about having hyperopic peripheral defocus, it might be time to schedule an appointment with your eye doctor. You should go in for an eye exam every two years, regardless if your prescription changed last time or not.

Here are some other times you should consider seeing your eye doctor:

You have blurry vision despite wearing glasses or contacts.

Your glasses or contacts make you feel dizzy or give you frequent headaches.

You’re squinting more often to see, despite wearing glasses or contacts.

You see floaters, shadows out of the corner of your vision, halos, or other strange vision effects.

It’s been more than two years since your last appointment at the eye doctor.